JEWELLERY: STELLA & DOT

I have recently been introduced to Stella and Dot and if I had all of the money in the world, I would buy every item of theirs as they are simply gorgeous!  The packaging is equally as gorgeous, including the box it was delivered in! I even got a lovely card thanking me for my purchase and that I will ‘look fabulous in my new Stella & Dot’, which I strongly believe that I do! This was such a nice touch and really makes you feel like you are purchasing a luxury item.

I’ve seen a couple of items featured in Vogue and was quite excited when my Mum said that she was going to have an at home jewellery party. To be honest, I hadn’t really looked into the company and had no idea that you could have a ‘trunk show’ and become a stylist/representative for them. 

We had such a great night and our stylist, Ashley Patterson, was so lovely and helpful. She came packed with items from their Spring 2012 catalogue and everything was really beautifully presented. It was so nice to be able to try some of the jewellery on and hear all about the company and their designers. They have such a variety of pieces in their collection, from high fashion on trend statement necklaces to classic vintage art deco drop earrings.  Celebrities such as Katy Perry, Fergie and Kourtney Kardashian have all been pictured wearing Stella and Dot (I have a slight/massive girl crush on Katy Perry, so this caught my attention straight away!).

So how would I describe Stella and Dot? Hmm… Are any of you like me and wish that certain items from Topshop were slightly better quality and made in silver/gold plated, so they could stand the test of time? Well, wish no more my friends because Stella and Dot are here to save the day! However, if you are going to buy high quality items, then you have to expect to pay a little more for them. Some items on their site do not come cheap, but there are some great reasonably priced items and they currently have a sale on, so get in there quick!

Pictured above are a couple of items that I have purchased and have had lots of really nice comments about. You can find links to all of these items below.


Happy shopping! (I apologise to your purse in advance for uploading this post). xxx

EVER AFTER NECKLACE – Currently in the sale! (Beautiful gift idea for your bridesmaids).

DEVI BANGLES – Currently in the sale!

LIMITED EDITION: NAHLA EARRINGS

I think the Renegade Cluster Bracelet might be next on my purchase list (as worn by Katy Perry!).

MAKEUP BASICS: PRIMERS AND FILLERS

Apologies for the terrible photography skills. Also, not the best shot of the filler... What can I say, it's a well used part of my kit!

The rule is simple: If you don’t have a good base, you won’t achieve a good finish. 

Depending on your primer and skin type you may not need to use a moisturizer. If you do, go easy with it. Only apply as much as you think your skin needs. Applying too much moisturizer and not allowing enough time for it to absorb into your skin will cause your foundation to slip. Give it a couple of minutes and your foundation will sit better and last longer!

Primers and fillers can be a real benefit to your overall look and help maintain a lasting finish. There are some great products out there that help correct, refine and balance your skin, providing a perfect base for you foundation. Fillers are a must for those with acne scaring, wrinkles and large pores. The fillers act as a resurfacing tool and help smooth out imperfections. A great bargain buy is L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer. I tend only to use this in area's of need rather than the whole face.

One of my favourite primers is from Laura Mercier. They have a great range of primers to suit all skin types. I regularly use the original ‘Foundation Primer’, as it is suitable for normal to combination skin, but they also have a hydrating, mineralize and oil control primer in their range. I have had clients in the past who suffer with very sensitive skin and have always found this product to work great.

If any of you out there have had a recent bad experience with the hydrating primer, don’t give up on the product just yet! I recently purchased this product and it ran out like water! When I went back to the counter, the assistant explained that there was a problem with the formula and she would exchange it right away.

NOTE: PRIMERS ARE NOT JUST FOR YOUR FACE! READ MY REVIEW ABOUT URBAN DECAY’S EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION! 

PIZ BUIN TAN & PROTECT TAN ACCELERATING OIL SPRAY

I have always been a big fan of Piz Buin and their sun care products. They smell lovely and I always feel safe in the sun, knowing that I am well protected. I am not going to pretend that I am anti-sunbathing, because I love having a tan and it certainly helps me feel more confident in shorts! Sun exposure has lots of benefits. It also helps our skin produce vitamin D and in general makes us feel good (especially if includes a cider in hand!). If you would like more information about sun exposure and the effects it can have on your skin, visit BUPA Sun Care. 

I think what most people forget is that while having a tan can make us feel great when we are in our short, shorts; it also has long lasting and extremely damaging effects!  It can cause premature aging, i.e wrinkles and sagging, as well as red raw, burnt and blistered skin! I shudder and cringe when I see people with fluorescent pink backs, still walking around in the sun! Are you people crazy?? Put some sun cream on or a t-shirt or something!

OK, back to the product in hand! This product is great. The spray bottle makes it quick to apply and the oil itself absorbs into the skin really easily. I have always liked to use oil for the glowing effect it leaves on the skin and for how easy it is to apply. You don't get any white streak and your not rubbing it in for what seems like forever. You can even mix it with an illuminating cream or golden pigment for extra glow (if you add pigment to the oil, make sure you give it a good shake before you spray)! The Piz Buin Tan & Protect range includes melitane, which enhances the production of the body’s natural tanning pigments. It doesn’t have self tanner in it, so there is no fear of tangerine patches! You should tan faster, which means that all you tanning junkies out there don’t need to bake yourselves all day long!

Personally, I always tend to go with a high factor. From experience, I feel like using a stronger factor is going to protect my skin really well, while still giving me a deep, long lasting tan.


I think Boots currently have a lot of Piz Buin sun care products at half price, which is a bargain! It's usually £17.99 and they have it for £8.99! If your looking to buy a couple of products then I think I saw Sainsbury's have them on offer as buy on get one free. Which obviously works out about the same if you buy 2 of the same product, but I'll let you work out which deal is best for the purse!

BEAUTY BREAKDOWN: POP OF PINK

PHOTOGRAPHER: JOE JENKINS 

MODEL: AIMEE RAMSEY

FACE:

YSL TOP SECRETS FLASH RADIANCE SKINCARE (read review)

MAC STUDIO FIX FOUNDATION - NW25

MAC LUSTRE DROPS – PINK REBEL

BOBBI BROWN CORRECTOR - LIGHT BISQUE

BOBBI BROWN CONCEALOR – SAND

MAC PREP + PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER

CHEEKS:

MAC BRONZING POWDER – GOLDEN

MAC POWDER BLUSH - WELL DRESSED

EYES:

URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION (read review)

MAC EYESHADOW – SHROOM, OMEGA, EMBARK

BOBBI BROWN SHIMMER WASH EYESHADOW (HIGHLIGHT) – BONE

MAC POWERPOINT EYE PENCIL – ENGRAVED

CLINIQUE LASH DOUBLING MASCARA – BLACK

EYLURE NATURALITES LENGTHENING STRIP LASHES – 116

LIPS:

MAC LIPSTICK – GIRL ABOUT TOWN

ACCESSORIES:

HEADBAND / EARRINGS – FREEDOM @ TOPSHOP       

MAYBELLINE DREAM FRESH BB CREAM

The new BB creams are a huge beauty trend at the moment and I’ve wanted to try them for ages, but just haven’t had the time. I recently ran out of my Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser (which is awesome by the way) and thought it was an opportune moment to give BB a go. I haven’t heard particularly great things theses products, but I like to find things out for myself and I’m glad that I did. I’m not a massive fan of heavy makeup on myself everyday and like more of a natural light finish, which is why I usually go for a tinted moisturiser. This is a great product if you are looking for something that glides on and blends easily with minimal effort. It claims to blur imperfections, but the coverage is close to what you would achieve using a tinted moisturiser, so don’t expect it to fully cover or hide that spot on your chin!

There are many arguments surrounding what classifies as a BB cream, but whatever it is – I like it! It’s an 8-1 super cream that is supposed to do the following things:

1. Creates a natural glow.
2. Compliments skin-tone.
3. SPF 30 UV protection.
4. Hydrates all day.
5. Blurs imperfections.
6. Oil free, non-greasy.
7. Looks visibly smooth.
8. Feels fresh.

I have combination skin, with a tendency to get a little oily as the day goes on. I was a little worried that the BB cream would leave me too moisturised and as a result, super shiny! This wasn’t the case though. The finish was quite matt, with a really nice natural glow. It isn't sticky and lasts throughout the day quite well. I did still use under eye corrector, concealor and a touch of powder to set. An added benefit is that it contains a 30 SPF, which is quite high as far as budget BB creams go. I’m heading to warmer climates for a short holiday in a couple of weeks and I’m even thinking that this might get added to the makeup bag. Along with my MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 obviously! ;)

I’m not sure that I would make it a permanent replacement for my tined moisturiser, but I wouldn’t completely dismiss it. If you’re still not sure, you can request a sample from Maybelline’s website.

I’d love to hear what you think about the arrival of BB creams and which ones you would rate/reject.

MY KIT WOULD NOT BE COMPLETE WITHOUT: URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION

As you can see this is a very well used product of mine! Since purchasing the Urban Decay Primer Potion, I have never applied eyeshadow without it. I really can’t say enough great things about it and if you don’t have it, go get it! It’s priced at about £14.50, but it lasts for ages as you only need the smallest bit. The new design is great, before you had to use little wand and I found it hard to get the product off, but now with the easy-squeeze tube and needle point tip the product comes out real easy with no messing around.

You can get the primer in a couple of shades, but I always go for the original (purple tube shown above). It’s a nude shade, dries invisibly and suits every skin tone, which makes it a perfect pro artist product. This product gives your eyeshadow excellent staying power and never creases. Even if you don’t wear eyeshadow and prefer to stick with your trusty eyeliner above the eye, this product will help keep it in place all day.

It does help even the tone of your eye lid, but if you have concerns about visible veins and are looking for natural coverage, try the MAC paint pots. They are also very good and have a stronger pigment to provide better coverage.

How to use:

+ You shouldn’t need more than half a thumb nail to cover both eyes.

+ Apply a thin layer to your eyelids from the root of your eyelashes, right up to your brows.

+ Blend, blend, blend. Your eyeshadow will blend really easily over this primer and is will appear more vibrant, but if you don’t blend it in properly and miss bits, you will definitely notice a difference.

+ Make sure you give the product enough time to set. If you open your eyes too quickly after application you can sometimes get a faint line in your crease.

Tip: Give the tube a little shake every now and then. I have found on a rare occasion that the product can sometimes come out a little watery, but with a good shake it’s usually fine. 

In conclusion, this product is awesome and no makeup bag or artists kit should be without it!

PRIMERS: YSL TOP SECRETS FLASH RADIANCE SKINCARE VS MAC PREP + PRIME SKIN BASE VISAGE

Primers and Fillers are essential for a flawless and long lasting finish. There are some great products out there that can help correct, refine and balance your skin, providing a perfect base for your foundation. Fillers are particularly great for covering unwanted lines, scaring and large pores.

I recently purchased Yve Saint Laurent’s Top Secrets Flash Radiance after reading great reviews online. I’m not convinced on the brush applicator as it’s not particularly hygienic. I suppose if I were to use it on myself the brush would be useful, but I tend to apply primers with my fingers to really massage and push it into my skin. I’d much prefer if the product was maybe in a tube with a brush attachment option, as I find it quite difficult to judge how much product I am squeezing through the brush. I have had the odd occasion where I have squeezed out way more than required, with no way of putting it back!

http://www.yslbeautyus.com/

What is great about the primer is that the smallest bit goes along way and at approx £38 a tube, it is not something you want to run out of quickly! Overall, I don’t have too many bad things to say about it other than the brush and price. The light reflecting particles and caffeine really give the skin a boost and helps erase signs of fatigue. It feels like velvet to touch and goes on silky smooth. I tend to get a little oily throughout the day, but since using this primer I have found that it has really helped control this. My clients really love this product and always comment about how lovely it smells! It’s quite strongly fragranced, which isn’t to everyone’s taste, but personally I really like it and have had no complaints so far.    

I'm still unsure if I would purchase this again, largely due to the price. MAC have a very similar product available in their Prep + Prime range and is at a much more reasonable price of £18.50 (at time of post). The packaging of this product is great too and makes life really easy on shoots! One quick pump is usually enough for the whole face.

www.maccosmetics.co.uk

DIOR 5 COULEURS EYESHADOW IN ROSY TAN 754

I am so in love with my new Dior eye palette! Actually, as you can see from the picture, it’s not quite so new anymore. I have used it on so many clients already this year and they all loved it. I think this one is going to be a keeper.

It is easy to see why this is one of Dior’s ‘best selling palettes’. Described by Dior a “a seductive range of rich, versatile colours designed for easy application and long wear”, it certainly does what it says on the tin. While the pigment isn’t quite as rich as I thought it would be, the shades blend effortlessly and the results are sheer with a light shimmer.

It is definitely a luxury buy, but worth every single penny (at time of posting, the retail price is around £40). You can get these palettes in a variety of different shades to best suit you and your skin tone. As far as the packaging goes, my love is only enhanced by the shiny blue case with ‘Dior’ engraved on top and cute little protection pouch that it slips beautifully into. I swear I did not buy this product because of that packaging, but I’m not saying that it didn’t help. This palette is great for brides wanting a soft, sheer look and is easily intensified with the dark down (top right).